Why the Factor 55 Offset Fairlead is a Must-Have for ARB Bumpers
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If you’re rocking an ARB bumper and running a winch setup, you might want to pay close attention to the Factor 55 Offset Fairlead. If you’ve ever noticed wear on your winch line caused by abrasion near the bumper’s winch cradle, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue that can lead to unwanted damage and decreased lifespan of your synthetic rope. Luckily, Factor 55 has an answer to that problem: their Offset Fairlead, specifically designed for applications with offset openings like ARB-style bumpers.
The ARB Bumper Problem
ARB bumpers are known for their ruggedness and protection, but they have a winch cradle design that sits in an offset position. If you pair this bumper with a traditional fairlead, the winch line tends to rub against the bottom of the cradle, creating friction that can lead to abrasion and even potential rope failure over time. Rubbing and chafing on synthetic rope should be avoided at all costs because it weakens the integrity of the line, and if you rely on your winch in tough situations, you definitely don’t want a compromised winch line.
The Solution: Factor 55 Offset Fairlead
The Factor 55 Offset Hawse Fairlead is a game-changer for those running ARB bumpers. It’s designed to elevate and offset the winch line slightly higher, guiding the synthetic rope above the ARB winch cradle. This simple but effective design tweak eliminates the contact between the rope and the cradle, ensuring no unwanted abrasion on your winch line.
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If you are saying: "take my money"; I like your style. You can purchase this here on Amazon. If not... let's carry on.
Why Factor 55 Fairleads Stand Out
Factor 55 doesn’t just make a fairlead that solves the ARB bumper issue—they make one of the best fairleads on the market. Here’s why:
CNC Machined from 6000-Series Aluminum: This isn’t your average fairlead. Factor 55 uses USA-made, 1.5” thick aluminum bar stock to create a fairlead that is double the thickness of most on the market, which leads to reduced wear on your synthetic rope.
Taller Slot Opening: The fairlead's taller opening allows larger ½” tube thimbles to easily pass through, making it more compatible with a variety of setups.
Durable, Military-Grade Finish: Coated with a MIL-A-8625F TYPE III gunmetal gray hard-anodized finish, this fairlead isn’t just good-looking—it’s built to resist extreme side pulls, abrasion, and other damage. It’s one of the hardest materials out there, making it an excellent choice for rugged, real-world off-road conditions.
Low Friction, Longer Rope Life: With a low friction coefficient, the Factor 55 fairlead reduces wear on your synthetic rope during winching operations. Over time, this means fewer replacements and a longer lifespan for your gear.
Easy Installation, But Be Prepared
While the Factor 55 Offset Fairlead is a great solution, keep in mind that it doesn’t come with mounting hardware. In most cases, the bolts supplied with your winch will work just fine, but depending on your specific bumper and winch setup, you may need to source longer or shorter bolts. Typically, 3/8” Grade 5 or 8 bolts in 1.25-1.5” lengths work well, but check your setup to be sure. For mine; I had to purchase two 3/8-16 x 2" flanged hex bolts and square nuts.
Links to hardware I purchased:
3/8-16x2" Hex Flange Bolts - Purchase here on Amazon
3/8-16 Square Nuts - Purchase here on Amazon
Conclusion
If you're running an ARB bumper and want to protect your winch line from premature wear and tear, the Factor 55 Offset Fairlead is a must-have. Not only does it solve the rubbing issue, but it’s also a high-quality upgrade that extends the life of your synthetic rope. Factor 55's military-grade build quality ensures this fairlead will stand up to the toughest off-road conditions.
Ready to make the switch and extend the life of your winch gear? You won’t regret adding this to your setup. You can purchase the Factor 55 Offset Fairlead here on Amazon.
